The endless choice of super sushi and succulent sticks from the successful Danish Japanese restaurant group has made its way recently onto the streets of Islington. Always looking for an excuse to visit this chic north London neighbourhood, we sauntered into the fresh-faced Japanese restaurant which opened late last year on Islington’s Upper Street.
We take a seat one Friday night and it’s packed, seemingly disguised as an old favourite over any kind of a newbie – all thanks to the brand that is expanding with popularity in lightning-fast speed. Gathered at one of the large high tables (table space is important when there’s a menu this large) Sticks n’ Sushi Islington has a distinctive New York energy about it. Both the team and diners fill the packed-out restaurant with creative cocktails, laughter and the famous sharing plates.
Coming a long way since being first founded in a Copenhagen basement in 1994 by half-Danish, half-Japanese brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek and Thor Andersen – each restaurant within the growing group has its own distinct features and personality woven through its central look and feel. Notably for Islington: glossy, lifestyle photography that is displayed throughout and provides an artistic insight into the kitchen and of every dish.
The menu here really is truly expansive. For those who are confident when it comes to selecting their preferred sticks or their chosen sushi is the à la carte option. Whilst for those who’d prefer some guidance is one of the restaurant’s curated set menus, or pretty platters.
Start as you mean to go on with the Okazu (Japanese side dishes) which include a selection of kimchi, poteto sarada potato salad, and kappa chilli cucumber topped with almonds, onion and roasted sesame oil. There is also the rice paper shake – which includes soy cured salmon with pickled red onion, avocado, cucumber and coriander, served with goma for dipping.
For those who want to go all in on the fish is the aptly named ‘Come For A Swim’ sharing platter. With a great hot and cold selection of starters, this platter includes the kaki fry deep-fried oysters in a wasabi tartare sauce and a classic tuna tartare accompanied by crispy flatbread. All eyes are on the beautifully presented sashimi deluxe. This features salmon, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, snow crab daikon roll, hiramasa ceviche and tamago ikura.
Allowing you to create your own handrolls from the fresh ingredients provided or take your pick from an array of sushi, sashimi, temaki and maki, as well as vibrant salads – Sticks n’ Sushi also offers an interactive Temaki Setto (aka make your own sushi). A great option for those who want to get stuck in. Meanwhile, some of our favourites were from the grill. From here you can devour the new ramu niku (a lamb stick glazed with garlic butter and soy sesame) and momo nanban (fried chicken thigh, perfectly soaked in sweet and sour dashi).
This new Islington outpost also features a fan favourite: the ‘gindara no miso’ miso-glazed black cod, and wagyu yaki – world-class Japanese wagyu from Kyushu. When it comes to dessert (which we personally didn’t have space for) there’s the Yuzu shortcrust pastry filled with zesty yuzu curd and topped with light meringue, or the Goma, luscious vanilla crème brûlée decorated with black sesame crumble.
For drinks, Sticks n’ Sushi Islington offers wines, spirits, Japanese teas, and an extensive sake menu to accompany the Japanese dishes. Creative signature cocktails include hibiscus margarita, mixed with mezcal and tequila, alma finca, and lemon and hibiscus syrup, or yuzu zoo: a blend of gin, plum wine and yuzu juice shaken with honey sugar syrup.
Embodying the Japanese concept of ‘Omotenashi’ (to wholeheartedly look after every guest), the restaurant follows the recognisable Japanese minimalist design combined with Scandinavian elegance synonymous with the brand. The capacious open plan dining room is filled with natural furnishings and warm earthy tones of peach and muted greys for an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Towards the back, the open plan kitchen injects added excitement to the eclectic restaurant, whilst during the summer months watch London go by eating al fresco.
Factbox
Address: 77-78 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0NU
Phone: 020 3343 3433
Website: sticksnsushi.com/gb/en/
All imagery credit: Sticks n’ Sushi
